Backing up is always dangerous because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle. Whenever possible, use a helper who can monitor your blind spots.

To check your vehicle's lights before a trip, you should set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition, and take the key with you. Turn on your low beam headlights and four-way flashers. Get out of the vehicle to make sure the lights are working properly.

If you are being tailgated, it is best to allow more room to open up in front of your vehicle. This will help you avoid the need for sudden stops, which could result in the tailgater rear-ending you, and will make it easier for the tailgater to pass. Speeding up may only make things more dangerous by prompting the other driver to continue tailgating you at a higher speed.

It is important to observe other drivers' behaviors and identify clues that indicate when person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. A person driving with their window open in cold weather may be impaired.

Before starting down a hill, you should shift into a lower gear. This will help get your vehicle to a speed that you can control without having to use your brakes too much.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, the most important thing to do is get out of their way, if possible. Do not provoke the driver by challenging them or making eye contact, and do not let yourself be provoked by rude gestures they might make.

When driving on packed snow, you should reduce your speed by one-half or more. It can be difficult to stop or turn when operating on a slippery surface, so you must adjust your speed to drive safely under such conditions.

When driving a school bus, you must activate your four-way flashers while approaching and crossing a railroad crossing. Deactivate the flashers once your entire vehicle has cleared the tracks.

Do not allow riders to leave carry-on baggage in any doorway or aisle. There should be nothing in the aisle that might trip other riders. Secure baggage in a way that prevents damage.

A pre-trip inspection should be completed in the same way before every drive. Consistency will help you learn all of the proper steps and decrease the likelihood that you will forget to check something.

During the external inspection portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection test, you must verify that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking.

It is important to observe other drivers' actions and identify clues that a person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. One sign that a driver may be impaired is that they stop in inappropriate places, such as at green traffic lights.

Small amounts of hazardous materials may be carried on a bus if there is no other way to transport them. However, there are certain categories of materials that may not be carried on a bus in any quantity.

You must sign the previous vehicle inspection report only if defects were noted and certified to have been repaired or not needing to be repaired.

Most hydraulic brake failures occur for one of two reasons. A first likely cause of brake failure is that the brakes have been overused on a downgrade, causing them to fade. The second likely cause is that there has been a loss of hydraulic pressure in the braking system. Brakes kept in good condition will rarely fail, but you should know which steps to take in case they do.

Strategies for avoiding distracted driving include pre-programming radio stations; planning out your route in advance; adjusting your mirrors before setting out; and not eating, drinking, or smoking while behind the wheel.

Part of your vehicle should be visible in your mirrors so that you have a point of reference when judging how close other drivers and objects are to your vehicle.

If you use a helper while backing your vehicle, they should stand near the back of the vehicle in a place where they are visible to you. Before backing, work out a set of hand signals that both you and your helper understand. Agree on a signal for "stop."

When using a fire extinguisher, you should stay as far away from the flames as possible and aim at the base of the fire.

If confronted by an aggressive driver, it is most important to get out of their way. Avoid making eye contact and do not gesture at them. Report them to the appropriate authorities once you can safely do so.